Winds of change: Panchayats in MP set example of girl empowerment

Two different gram panchayats of Tikamgarh district celebrated the Independence Day in unique ways. Their initiative has set an example likely to inspire others and promote development of the girl child.

Meritorious girls unfurl the Tricolour at Pahadi Khurd village in Tikamgarh on Independence Day. (HT photo)

Two different gram panchayats of Tikamgarh district celebrated the Independence Day in unique ways. Their initiative has set an example likely to inspire others and promote development of the girl child.

In Pahadi Khurd village panchayat, meritorious girl students unfurled the national flag, while the Srinagar Gram Panchyat decided to gift each and every new-born girl child in the village with a fixed deposit of Rs 5,000.

Seven girl students from Classes 8, 10, 12, graduate and post-graduate levels, who had obtained highest marks in their respective classes at panchayat level, unfurled the national flag at Pahadi Khurd. The idea was put forth by sarpanch Meera Devi Yadav and supported by panchayat secretary, panches and villagers. Meera Devi told HT that she hopes this action will motivate the girls to perform better in studies.

Pooja Ahirwar, who hoisted the flag with other girls, had scored 62% in class 10 exam. She told that she was overjoyed at being offered the chance to unfurl the tri-colour.

Other students were Surbhi Tiwari of class 8, graduate students Abhilasha Tiwari and Sandhya Tiwari, and postgraduate students Ranu Viswakarma and Ramkunwar Kumar.

The Srinagar village panchayat, meanwhile, decided to gift Rs 5000 in the form of fixed deposit to every new-born girl child at the panchayat level. The proposal was formally accepted during a village panchayat meeting on Independence Day.

Sarpanch Mukesh Singh Lodhi of Srinagar village panchayat told HT that he was supported by panchayat members and village elders, who decided to contribute. “We will deposit Rs 5,000 as FD and give the paper to the girls’ parents. The FD will mature in around 20 years and the money will be given to the girl,” Lodhi said.